My Fair Lady stories, part 7

By Roger Wolbert

In 1994, I was in My Fair Lady, which was my stage debut with the Erie Playhouse. I am repeating my roles as a cockney, a butler, a member of the upper crust, and the whistler.

The only other time that I was on the Playhouse stage was in 1995 when I was in Kiss Me, Kate! where I was in the ensemble and also played the role of Paul. Ironically, both of these shows are currently in production with the Playhouse.

I’m also the only member in the current My Fair Lady cast who is also in the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, and I have had the opportunity to sing with the Erie Philharmonic on several occasions. Three weeks ago, the chorus joined voices with the Mercyhurst University Concert Choir and performed Beethoven’s Messe in C with the Erie Philharmonic.

It is fun to be back on stage with past My Fair Lady cast members Sue Lechner, Scott Schillinger, and Almi & Shawn Clerkin. It’s also a pleasure to perform once again with past Kiss Me, Kate! actors Kate Neubert Lechner and my sister, Diane Martone.

And it’s always exciting to sing with the Erie Philharmonic. This performance will be particularly exciting because I get to perform in front of the orchestra instead of behind it (check out where the chorus is in the concert picture)!